Stallion owners in the United States have the potential to increase their income and the number of foals born from their stallions each year by exploring the breeding industries in Europe and the Middle East. The equine breeding season for these destinations, as well as other Northern Hemisphere countries, takes place at the same time as the breeding season for the United States. For some stallions, the demand for their offspring in one of these countries may be equal to or greater than their popularity within their home country. This is where the exploration of a foreign market could prove to be beneficial. European countries send approximately 25% of the visitors to the SBS website. 

Stallion owners in the United States and Europe have the potential to broaden their market by exploring the Australian breeding industry. The breeding season in the Northern Hemisphere winds down in August but the breeding season in the Southern Hemisphere is just about to heat up. That is when mare owners in Australia and New Zealand begin to think about the perfect stallion for their mare. Stallion owners in the US and Europe may wish to explore the Australian market not only to expand their stallion's genetic pool but also as a way to provide additional income during their “off” breeding season. 

The international market for equine semen is ever expanding, and with the use of frozen semen, has become a reality for any mare and stallion owners. The export of frozen semen is a more cost effective alternative to purchasing and shipping a live animal. It is also a more practical approach when considering the stress some horses undergo during long hours of travel by plane or ship. Most countries have written protocols for the import of frozen equine semen into their country. Here are some practical things to consider before embarking on this new endeavor.

One advantage of frozen semen is that the world is your market. Importing frozen semen opens up the opportunity to expand the bloodlines of your breeding program by incorporating stallions from other countries and is a cost effective alternative to purchasing and importing young stock. However, before you rush off to search the internet for your next world class stud, here are some points to consider.